Alber Elbaz, famed designer of Lanvin, leaves after 14 years

PARIS (AP) — The designer of storied French fashion house Lanvin, Alber Elbaz, says he's stepping down after 14 years at the creative helm.

The lauded 54-year-old Israeli did not mention the reasons for his departure in Wednesday's statement, which was signed with a heart. Elbaz said he wished to thank those in the fashion house, founded in 1889, for help in "restoring its radiance" and putting Lanvin back at the top of the Paris fashion calendar after some years in the wilderness.

Elbaz's draped, feminine designs were a huge critical, if not commercial, success over the last decade.

It's the second high-profile fashion departure in a week, after Christian Dior announced their designer Raf Simons was leaving. It also puts Elbaz in a prime position to be considered for the Dior post.